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James Michael Becher

Of Such Is the Kingdom Parts I and II—Christ and the Roman Empire

Synopsis

[THIS BOOK IS OUT OF PRINT AND IS HERE FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY (to refer to previous bubbles) NO new bubbles will be made fro t book)his
What do a cynical, non-conformist dry-goods salesman, a disgruntled blacksmit, and a musing mendicant all have in common? Down deep, they all seek for something better; and eventually, they all find the childlike humility and faith required for true fulfillment. The non-conformist, Manaheem, Herod's foster brother, helps Herod foment an insurrection against Pilate, using the blacksmith, Barabbas as leader, to the dismay of the latter's Godly but fearful wife. The Mendicant, a young man named Timotheus, joins with an older beggar completely unsympathetic to his musings. Meanwhile, Pilate's wife pushes him to take over Herod's territory. When the insurrection fails, Manaheem turns to blackmail, and Barabbas turns to robbery, enlisting the aid of our two beggars. Manaheem almost loses his one true love, his former wife, Claressa, with whom he is trying to re-unite. The robbery goes bad, and Barabbas and the beggars get caught and are sentenced to death.

Author Biography

I, was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on June 8, 1943 to a Christian family and accepted Jesus at an early age. In Jr. High School, I became interested in writing and drama. I wrote poems, articles and a few short stories, and plays. In college, I won second prize in a contest with a Biblical short story, which now forms part of my first novel, “Of Such Is The Kingdom, A novel of the Christ and the Roman Empire,” published in 2003.
In 2010, I wrote the sequel, “Of Such Is the Kingdom, Part III,
Power and Persecution, A Novel of the early Church and the Roman Empire.”
I also wrote a Sci-fi novel, “Impossible Journey, A Tale of Times and Truth” and a non-fiction book, “Principles of the Kingdom."
I graduated from Clearwater Christian College in 1970 with a B.A. degree in Bible-Literature, and from Biblical School of Theology in 1974 with a M. Div. Ordained in November, 1974, I served as assistant pastor/Bible teacher in several churches. I also served in a foreign-student ministry, where I met my wife, Berenice Carett from Venezuela.
In 2014 I wrote an American historical novel, called "The Christmas Victory."

Author Insight

Barabbas and family

Here's another excerpt from the first chapter of my Biblical novel, "Of Such Is The Kingdom." This excerpt introduces the character of Barabbas and his family and raises the question of whether or not he should tell his wife of the mysterious stranger's suggestion.

Book Excerpt

Of Such Is the Kingdom Parts I and II—Christ and the Roman Empire

As the mysterious stranger walked through the shop door and out into the dusty street, Barabbas began to think. He thought as he closed up shop and got ready to go home. He thought all the way up the street to his ordinary looking home. He thought, perhaps it would be possible. “If only we could all band together--.” That was what the stranger had said, wasn’t it? But, how? How could it happen? If only---

Should he tell his wife, or not? She’d certainly be against the whole idea. She greatly resented the fact that her father had been brutally executed for plotting against the life of Herod, the great. She knows things are bad, but she’ll just say, “We might as well grin ‘n’ bear it,” or “We’ll get along somehow.” They had gotten along so far. But things are getting worse. Who knows if another insurrection might not succeed? If enough people could be gathered together to fight--- but that was a big "if".

Well, too late now for any further mental deliberation. The ‘little tigers’ had spied him coming and were running out to meet him as usual. Big and boisterous, short and stocky, petite and ladylike, all three of them descended upon him at once, pulling and screaming.

As they approached the doorstep, she appeared: a tall, thin, golden haired vision of beauty. Her apron was still on, as she stepped decisively up to her huge husband, smiling radiantly. “Barabbas! You’re home late today!”

“But not by much, Deborah dear. An important customer came in just as I was closing.”

“Well, come here you big brute and let me feast my eyes upon y’!”

But it wasn’t only their eyes that met. “umm, ummmm!”

“Wow! Mama’s kissin’ Daddy!”

“Ummmm!” As much as he enjoyed her kisses, his stomach told him it was time to think about supper. “Alright, alright! Enough of this for now! I’m tired ‘n’ starved half to death!”

“Supper’ll be ready in just a minute, dear. Come on, sit down and wash your feet. Th’ water’s already poured.”